Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Yesterday UGA released its final depth chart before Saturday’s season opener against Boise State, and as we expected their were few surprises. As most publications have pointed out, the two deep is riddled with “Dream Team” members as new playmakers were needed to help Richt rectify last years 6-7 season. Let’s hope these freshmen are fast learners and can contribute immediately. Below is a list of my observations.

Lynch may be 3rd on the depth chart at TE, but will see significant playing time

-Strongest Position: Tight End. Without question this is our most impressive unit. The athletes at the position are second to none in the entire country. I believe you know their names. We can only hope that Richt and Bobo find a way to utilize this group to the full extent of their potential.
-Missing: Notably absent from the depth chart is freshmen phenom Ray Drew. His omission can be explained partially due to his scooter accident and the practice time missed as a result. I tend to believe that by game three Drew will begin his assent up the charts and push for heavy playing time.
-Benched: As we noted last week Bacarri Rambo appears to have been supplanted by Sanders Commings at free safety. No official word has yet to be given addressing Rambo’s status for the opener.
-Dallas Lee will play a lot! Dallas is listed as the primary backup for both guard spots and Ben Jones at center. Mr. Lee will definitely see time all across the interior line, as Coach Friend has said the Lee will be “first off the bench”.
-Breakout Position: Defensive Line. Now I listed TE as our strongest unit, but the D-Line is not far behind. This group possesses a great combination of experience, power, and speed. Kwame has become a certifiable man and combined with newcomer Jenkins will dominate the point of attack. DeAngelo Tyson and Abry Jones are experienced and will lead this unit onto great things.
-Cellar Dweller: Israel Troupe’s inability to crack the two deep continues to bewilder. Ranked as the top wideout in Georgia as high school senior, Troupe has yet to produce. I truly do not understand this one.
-Weakest Position: With the benching/suspension or whatever it is of Rambo, at least for the first game, safety appears to be our weakest and thinnest position. The starters are good, but lack extensive starting experience at the position. Williams started only three games last season and Commings has switched positions multiple times. Behind the starters Conner Norman, Marc Deas, and freshman Corey Moore provide no game experience and will take time to develop.
-Position in Flux: Running back has been a position of questions for the Bulldogs this off-season. UGA lost its top two returning rushers from last season to stupidity. The depth chart is topped by two players, who this time last year, were either in high school or playing linebacker. Every member of this group has spent time in a green jersey this fall and Samuel has not practiced in two weeks. Hopefully Crowell can carry the load.
-Most to Prove: Wide Receivers. With the loss of AJ and Kris to the NFL, this unit more than any other has the most to prove. Depth is not an issue with this group as five upperclassmen are expected to lead. Production however is an issue as King is the only receiver to see significant playing time. The newcomers will be leaned on heavily as Malcolm Mitchell and Michael Bennett are expected to make plays.
-Star: Aaron Murray, need I say more?
-Future All-SEC: If you are looking for Crowell, Mitchell, Swann, Ogletree, or Drew look elsewhere. While all of those players have the chance to do great things at UGA and the next level, I’m gonna step outside the box and go with Kenarious Gates. Gates is a massive guard at 6-5 and 328 pounds, with good feet and a solid punch. Gates started the second half of last season and has the potential to be one of the best guards in the country by his senior season.

Gates is a Bad Man!

This team has a chance to be great, but depth may be the key obstacle as experience is thin across the board. We can only hope that the starters remain healthy and the freshmen learn and produce at an accelerated pace. The future looks bright at UGA, hopefully that future begins Saturday in the Dome.

Swagga, I like the linebackers. More athleticism across the board than years past. My concern is that we have 2 new starters, one coming off injury and transfer, and one playing a new position. Game experience among the backups scares me a little as well. I like this group though, they could be great by seasons end.